Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $74,576/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$40,576/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,074 | $51,250 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $61,020 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $60,094 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $25,493 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $48,432 | $81,798 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $43,128 | $90,921 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,729 | |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $26,850 |
The Risk Factor
31.5% of students at Notre Dame de Namur University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Notre Dame de Namur gives you a mixed financial picture that hides a big gap between what the school-wide number says and what most majors actually pay. The $74,576 median earnings figure looks strong for a private school in the Bay Area, but the bachelor-level program data tells a different story, and the 31.5% graduation rate is the first warning sign: fewer than one in three students finishes.
Business Administration is the clear payoff here at $58,221, and it carries the same roughly $25,000 debt load as majors earning far less. That makes it the one degree where the math works cleanly. Everything else on the program list lags badly. Psychology and Sociology graduates earn under $31,000 while carrying more debt than Business majors, around $26,500 to $26,850. Human Services and Communication land in the high $30,000s. In Belmont, where cost of living is among the highest in the country, a $30,000 salary against $26,000 in debt is a hard start.
The specific risk here is finishing. With a 31.5% graduation rate, your biggest danger is taking on debt and leaving without the degree that justifies it. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and it's the statistically likely one at this school.
This school fits you if you plan to major in Business and are confident you'll graduate. If you're drawn to Psychology, Sociology, Communication, or Human Services, the earnings here don't support the private-school price, and you should compare a public California university offering the same major for less.
On net price tiers: lower published costs for lower-income families change the equation, so weigh your specific tier against the sub-$40,000 earnings most of these majors produce before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notre Dame de Namur University worth the cost?
Notre Dame de Namur University graduates earn a median of $74,576 ten years after graduation, which is below average for California private schools. With a 31.5% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, the ROI is poor for most students.
What are the best paying programs at Notre Dame de Namur University?
Business Administration and Public Administration are the top earners at Notre Dame de Namur, with graduates making $78,074 and $76,460 respectively. Education programs pay significantly less, with Special Education graduates earning around $61,020.
How much debt do Notre Dame de Namur University graduates have?
Notre Dame de Namur graduates have a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, the low graduation rate of 31.5% means most students who start never finish their degree.
What is the graduation rate at Notre Dame de Namur University?
Only 31.5% of students graduate from Notre Dame de Namur University within six years. This extremely low completion rate is a major red flag for prospective students considering the school's value.